Recent Music Theory Articlesfrom the Blog

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro,
check out the Music Theory articles on our blog.

What are the "keys" to identifying different key signatures? Read on for some great tips from Tucson, AZ teacher Lourdes C...
In reading music, there are a few things that give musicians the biggest headaches. One major migraine-maker is determining keys from the key signature and then remembering the order of sharps and flats. This chart gives musicians a quick way to help with identifying key signatures.
Key Signatures at a Glance
Major sharps: the name of the key can be fou …
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All in Order: Tricks for Identifying Key Signatures

What are the "keys" to identifying different key signatures? Read on for some great tips from Tucson, AZ teacher Lourdes C...
In reading music, there are a few things that give musicians the biggest headaches. One major migraine-maker is determining keys from the key signature and then remembering the order of sharps and flats. This chart gives musicians a quick way to help with identifying key signatures.
Key Signatures at a Glance
Major sharps: the name of the key can be fou

Subdivision: The Easy Trick for Reading Rhythms Right

As you're learning to read music, you'll come across complex rhythms at some point. Here, Saint Augustine, FL music teacher Heather L. offers some helpful tips to help you get through the tricky parts...
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Have you ever found yourself sitting in a big concert hall, or in your room, listening to a soloist play a practically perfect rhythm? Almost all of us have, and almost all of us have asked ourselves, "How do they do that?" Their secret is subdivision.
You might be just begin

4 Painless Steps to Help You Learn Music Theory

Sure, music theory is complex -- but there's no need to fear it! Here, Jamaica Plain, MA teacher Noaa R. shares four steps to get you started...
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Many students tend to avoid studying music theory and harmony. This can stem from a fear of compromising ones creativity with rules and numbers, a failure to connect concepts with application, or from feeling overwhelmed by the perceived volume of material to be learned. However, when you approach theory as an exploratory process that help

How to Transition from Classical Pianist to Jazz Pianist

Piano music doesn't have to be all classical, all the time! Here's what you need to know about getting started with jazz piano chord progressions, courtesy of St. Augustine, FL teacher Heather L...
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Thelonius Monk, Herbie Hancock, and Duke Ellington are just a few of the great jazz piano players. What beautiful and fascinating sounds fill our ears when their names come to mind! The seemingly illusive progressions and spontaneous elements, like syncopation and improvisation, sound

How to Prepare for Sight Reading at an Audition | 3 Helpful Tips

Nervous about the sight reading portion of an upcoming audition? Find out how to work sight reading practice into your routine in this guest post by Saddle Brook, NJ teacher Christian D...
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Be prepared to sight read.
That dreaded requirement on all auditions that makes us all nervous. But the fact is, you shouldnt be! Sight reading is a learned skill, just like everything else in music. Think of it as sight reading a passage from a book in front of an audience. With so many